Yangshuo Info

Yangshuo Climbing

Yangshuo, located in Southeast China's Guangxi Province, was beginning to attract climbers' attention when the late American Climber Todd Skinner arrived in 1992 and began establishing a number of classic routes on Moon Hill.

Since then, Yangshuo has become China's most established and recognized climbing location for Chinese and international climbers. There are now more than 500 established routes with grades ranging from 5.7 to 5.15. There is limitless potential for more route development on the thousands of untouched limestone karsts dotting the surreal landscape.Most of Yangshuo's routes are single – pitch bolted sport routes. However, there are a growing number of multi-pitch bolted routes. While there are some established traditional lines, the potential remains for more exploration and development.The rock in Yangshuo is tropical limestone – dark and sharp where exposed to rainfall; lighter and smooth where sheltered from the elements. Yangshuo's karsts provide the full array of limestone climbing – from big honking jugs to small crimps and slippery slopers. There are also cracks, stalagtites, and tufas to keep things interesting.

The following are some popular crags to consider for your next climbing trip to Yangshuo:

Moon Hill
Low Mountain
Twin Gates
Baby Frog
Bamboo Grove
Wine Bottle, etc.

The above locations can be easily accessed via bicycle, shuttle bus or taxi.

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Topos for The White Mountain, Wine Bottle and The Egg

The White Mountain

The White Mountain is an impressive overhanging crag with a good crop of difficult routes. It is about 200 m long and 60 m high overall. The rock varies from just overhanging at the central section to a continous 60 meters of 15 degree overhanging rock at the western end. Needless to say, the climbing is quite physical and sustained.

The crag faces south and is in the sun all day. Paradoxically, in summertime areas of it stay in shade due to its steepness. Thanks to the overhanging nature of the rock, the cliff mostly stays dry in the rain along with the area at its base. It therefore makes a good wet-weather venue. Take care not to confuse The White Mountain with the White Cliff.

The White Mountain		Topo

Wine Bottle

This cliff is named after the supposed resemblance of a nearby hill to a wine bottle. However, it seems necessary to drink more than a couple of bottles of wine in order for the similarity to become apparent. The cliff is one of the best in Yangshuo, having lots of easily accessible, high-quality routes on good rock. The cliff is just off vertical and the climbing is generally technical rather than strenuous. The crag faces south and can be very hot if the sun is out. The sun is on the crag from early morning and leaves it in mid afternoon. The cliff has every grade of climb from 5.6 to 5.11d.

Wine Bottle		Topo

The Egg

The Egg is an easily accessed tower with a good collection of popular and fun routes, most of which are single-pitch sport climbs. Most of the routes have large and friendly belay areas at the base. The climbing is on three sides which all face different directions. It is therefore possible to climb in the sun or shade at any time of the day, whichever is desired. The routes on the North and West faces mostly stay dry in the rain.

The Egg		Topo

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Climbing Clubs

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Accommodation Guide

Below is a list of recommended hotels in Yangshuo; price is based on standard room.

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Weather

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Other Activities

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Information about Yangshuo Climbing is from:
http://china.citw2008.com/html/2006/1108/1302.shtml
http://www.xclimber.com/yangshuoclimbing.htm
Yangshuo Rock Climbs guidebook (Author: Paul Collis)

The articles and topos of The White Mountain, Wine Bottle and The Egg are from Yangshuo Rock Climbs guidebook (Author: Paul Collis) . Photos of the three crags listed above were provided by Black Diamond athlete Liu Yongbang.

Information about Accommodation Guide is provided by X-Climber. For more details, please contact Xclimber at 86-773-8814499.

Information about Weather is from:
http://www.guilinok.com/data/page/32.html

Information about Other Activities is provided by China Climb. For more details, please contact China Climb at 86-733-8811033.

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